LeviathanTempest:IntrodLex - Revision history

81.5.140.189: /* Introduction */

2015-12-07T14:35:51Z

Introduction

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	In writing Leviathan: the Tempest, we had several objectives. First, we wanted to explore the thematic and narrative possibilities of writing a game about classic horror monsters such as the Creature from the Black Lagoon or H. P. Lovecraft's Deep Ones. Although at first this was a semi-serious attempt at brainstorming, it quickly became apparent that the field was so strong a real, albeit fan-made, game could come out of it. Second, we wanted to avoid overlap with the thematic cores of either the official World of Darkness games or the most well-known fan-games. Finally, we wanted to follow the guidelines that the other games followed: the game should be able to stand alone, but allow for cross-overs; characters should be a cross between humanity and something monstrous, with most of the game experience resting on the balance between the two; and finally, the game should be fun and rewarding. We hope to have succeeded.		In writing Leviathan: the Tempest, we had several objectives. First, we wanted to explore the thematic and narrative possibilities of writing a game about classic horror monsters such as the Creature from the Black Lagoon or H. P. Lovecraft's Deep Ones. Although at first this was a semi-serious attempt at brainstorming, it quickly became apparent that the field was so strong a real, albeit fan-made, game could come out of it. Second, we wanted to avoid overlap with the thematic cores of either the official World of Darkness games or the most well-known fan-games. Finally, we wanted to follow the guidelines that the other games followed: the game should be able to stand alone, but allow for cross-overs; characters should be a cross between humanity and something monstrous, with most of the game experience resting on the balance between the two; and finally, the game should be fun and rewarding. We hope to have succeeded.

	In Leviathan: the Tempest, players take on the role of an individual whose bloodline is tainted by the essence of primordial ~~behemoths~~, causing strange transformations of both the body and the mind.		In Leviathan: the Tempest, players take on the role of an individual whose bloodline is tainted by the essence of primordial monster-gods, causing strange transformations of both the body and the mind.

	===Theme===		===Theme===

81.5.140.189: /* Theme */

2015-12-07T14:35:17Z

Theme

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	The main theme of Leviathan: the Tempest is that of ''monstrous puberty.''Leviathans are constantly experiencing a deep, painful transformation into something that is utterly alien. Their body and mind change, they realise they can do things they would never have been able to do before, and they have to assume new responsibilities. They also experience new, often uncomfortable desires that they can't quite explain. This often makes the Leviathan experience a quest for meaning, striking out on their own or with a close group of friends to find their own path. All these elements mirror closely the events of adolescence, with a supernatural twist on it that makes Leviathans true monsters, albeit sometimes reluctant. This can provide the general framework of the story, as that in a bildungsroman, where the characters come out of the story, deeply changed by its events.''		The main theme of Leviathan: the Tempest is that of ''monstrous puberty.''Leviathans are constantly experiencing a deep, painful transformation into something that is utterly alien. Their body and mind change, they realise they can do things they would never have been able to do before, and they have to assume new responsibilities. They also experience new, often uncomfortable desires that they can't quite explain. This often makes the Leviathan experience a quest for meaning, striking out on their own or with a close group of friends to find their own path. All these elements mirror closely the events of adolescence, with a supernatural twist on it that makes Leviathans true monsters, albeit sometimes reluctant. This can provide the general framework of the story, as that in a bildungsroman, where the characters come out of the story, deeply changed by its events.''

	The second theme is that of ''isolation'' or ''responsibility''. Leviathans exert a pull on the human psyche, which makes people want to worship and serve them, or at least get out of their way. The responsibility this bring on is immense, as are the potential abuses a Leviathan can get out of willing subservient humans. With a few specific people, called Atolls, the relationship is reversed: they fascinate Leviathans and could utterly subjugate them. Some Leviathans choose isolation to deal with this, but the monstrous part of their being actively wants worship and sacrifice, and will fight to get it. In any case, Leviathans can hardly have normal relationships with humans. That is a core conflict that drives the stories in the game.		The second theme is that of ''isolation'' and ''responsibility''. Leviathans exert a pull on the human psyche, which makes people want to worship and serve them, or at least get out of their way. The responsibility this bring on is immense, as are the potential abuses a Leviathan can get out of willing subservient humans. With a few specific people, called Atolls, the relationship is reversed: they fascinate Leviathans and could utterly subjugate them. Some Leviathans choose isolation to deal with this, but the monstrous part of their being actively wants worship and sacrifice, and will fight to get it. In any case, Leviathans can hardly have normal relationships with humans. That is a core conflict that drives the stories in the game.

	===Mood===		===Mood===

81.5.140.189: /* Theme */

2015-12-07T14:32:09Z

Theme

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	===Theme===		===Theme===

	The main theme of Leviathan: the Tempest is that of ''monstrous puberty." ''Leviathans are constantly experiencing a deep, painful transformation into something that is utterly alien. Their body and mind change, they realise they can do things they would never have been able to do before, and they have to assume new responsibilities. They also experience new, often uncomfortable desires that they can't quite explain. This often makes the Leviathan experience a quest for meaning, striking out on their own or with a close group of friends to find their own path. All these elements mirror closely the events of adolescence, with a supernatural twist on it that makes Leviathans true monsters, albeit sometimes reluctant. This can provide the general framework of the story, as that in a bildungsroman, where the characters come out of the story, deeply changed by its events.''		The main theme of Leviathan: the Tempest is that of ''monstrous puberty.''Leviathans are constantly experiencing a deep, painful transformation into something that is utterly alien. Their body and mind change, they realise they can do things they would never have been able to do before, and they have to assume new responsibilities. They also experience new, often uncomfortable desires that they can't quite explain. This often makes the Leviathan experience a quest for meaning, striking out on their own or with a close group of friends to find their own path. All these elements mirror closely the events of adolescence, with a supernatural twist on it that makes Leviathans true monsters, albeit sometimes reluctant. This can provide the general framework of the story, as that in a bildungsroman, where the characters come out of the story, deeply changed by its events.''

	The second theme is that of ''isolation or responsibility''. Leviathans exert a pull on the human psyche, which makes people want to worship and serve them, or at least get out of their way. The responsibility this bring on is immense, as are the potential abuses a Leviathan can get out of willing subservient humans. With a few specific people, called Atolls, the relationship is reversed: they fascinate Leviathans and could utterly subjugate them. Some Leviathans choose isolation to deal with this, but the monstrous part of their being actively wants worship and sacrifice, and will fight to get it. In any case, Leviathans can hardly have normal relationships with humans. That is a core conflict that drives the stories in the game.		The second theme is that of ''isolation'' or ''responsibility''. Leviathans exert a pull on the human psyche, which makes people want to worship and serve them, or at least get out of their way. The responsibility this bring on is immense, as are the potential abuses a Leviathan can get out of willing subservient humans. With a few specific people, called Atolls, the relationship is reversed: they fascinate Leviathans and could utterly subjugate them. Some Leviathans choose isolation to deal with this, but the monstrous part of their being actively wants worship and sacrifice, and will fight to get it. In any case, Leviathans can hardly have normal relationships with humans. That is a core conflict that drives the stories in the game.

	===Mood===		===Mood===

67.253.229.208: /* Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon */

2014-02-24T17:58:13Z

Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon

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	'''Shallows''' : The area of the Rift closest to the Shore.		'''Shallows''' : The area of the Rift closest to the Shore.

			'''Sheol''' : A measure of a Leviathan's connection to his bloodline, and how deep he has tapped into his antediluvian heritage. The higher one's Sheol, the more powerful and god-like, but also more bestial and impossible to ignore, one becomes

	'''Shore (The)''' : A term used on occasion to refer to the real world, as opposed to the ''Rift''. Most common among Leviathans that contend that both realities are equally "true" and who bristle at the idea of a "real" world.		'''Shore (The)''' : A term used on occasion to refer to the real world, as opposed to the ''Rift''. Most common among Leviathans that contend that both realities are equally "true" and who bristle at the idea of a "real" world.

131.111.185.81: /* Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon */

2013-06-09T12:57:35Z

Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon

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	'''Depth''' : A particular level of transformation which a Leviathan can attain. The greater the Depth, the most monstrous and least human the Leviathan is. There are seven forms available to the Tribe in all, ranging from a human form to a grotesque abomination.		'''Depth''' : A particular level of transformation which a Leviathan can attain. The greater the Depth, the most monstrous and least human the Leviathan is. There are seven forms available to the Tribe in all, ranging from a human form to a grotesque abomination.

	~~'''Deep One''' : A Leviathan entirely devoid of ''Tranquility'', who has returned permanently to a monstrous, divine state.~~

	'''Doldrums''' : Areas within the ''Rift'' that are somehow shielded from the ''Tempest''.		'''Doldrums''' : Areas within the ''Rift'' that are somehow shielded from the ''Tempest''.
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	'''Oceanids''' : A Leviathan of the ''Strain'' descending from the ''Progenitor'' Oceanus. The Oceanids are associated with the control of mortal minds and with grandiose pursuits - they identify themselves with the great power and limitless appetites of the heroes of Greek legend.		'''Oceanids''' : A Leviathan of the ''Strain'' descending from the ''Progenitor'' Oceanus. The Oceanids are associated with the control of mortal minds and with grandiose pursuits - they identify themselves with the great power and limitless appetites of the heroes of Greek legend.

			'''Ophion''' : A Leviathan entirely devoid of ''Tranquility'', who has returned permanently to a monstrous, divine state. Named for the primordial serpent of Greek mythology, the first ruler of Olympus who was cast down into the ocean stream.

	'''Outburst''' : An involuntary and painful transformation into a greater ''Depth'', brought on by psychological or supernatural stress.		'''Outburst''' : An involuntary and painful transformation into a greater ''Depth'', brought on by psychological or supernatural stress.

78.86.121.24: /* Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon */

2012-05-17T07:04:55Z

Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon

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	'''Depth''' : A particular level of transformation which a Leviathan can attain. The greater the Depth, the most monstrous and least human the Leviathan is. There are seven forms available to the Tribe in all, ranging from a human form to a grotesque abomination.		'''Depth''' : A particular level of transformation which a Leviathan can attain. The greater the Depth, the most monstrous and least human the Leviathan is. There are seven forms available to the Tribe in all, ranging from a human form to a grotesque abomination.

			'''Deep One''' : A Leviathan entirely devoid of ''Tranquility'', who has returned permanently to a monstrous, divine state.

	'''Doldrums''' : Areas within the ''Rift'' that are somehow shielded from the ''Tempest''.		'''Doldrums''' : Areas within the ''Rift'' that are somehow shielded from the ''Tempest''.

50.92.178.67: /* Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon */

2012-05-04T14:53:13Z

Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon

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	'''Strains''' : Lineages of Leviathans descended from a common ancestor ''Progenitor''. Strains share some characteristics, and a given family line with Leviathan blood usually belongs to one given Strain. There are seven major Strains, and a handful of smaller and less recognized offshoots or distant cousins.		'''Strains''' : Lineages of Leviathans descended from a common ancestor ''Progenitor''. Strains share some characteristics, and a given family line with Leviathan blood usually belongs to one given Strain. There are seven major Strains, and a handful of smaller and less recognized offshoots or distant cousins.

	'''Tanninim''' : A Leviathan of the ''Strain'' descending from the ''Progenitor'' Tannin. Particularly prone to ~~develope~~ the stalking and hunting mechanisms of the Tribe, the Tanninim are referred to as "judges" - perceiving and punishing the sins of mortals and of the enemies of the Tribe.		'''Tanninim''' : A Leviathan of the ''Strain'' descending from the ''Progenitor'' Tannin. Particularly prone to develop the stalking and hunting mechanisms of the Tribe, the Tanninim are referred to as "judges" - perceiving and punishing the sins of mortals and of the enemies of the Tribe.

	'''Thalassans''' : A Leviathan of the ''Strain'' descending from the ''Progenitor'' Thalassa. The Thalassans are characterised by impossible strength and grace. They have a natural grasp over the Tribe's physical potency.		'''Thalassans''' : A Leviathan of the ''Strain'' descending from the ''Progenitor'' Thalassa. The Thalassans are characterised by impossible strength and grace. They have a natural grasp over the Tribe's physical potency.

The Kings Raven: /* Mood */

2012-02-24T19:34:08Z

Mood

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	===Mood===		===Mood===

	The general mood of the game is that of ''Stagnation''. Stagnation is an unusual mood to find alongside themes of puberty and change; the connection is that individual Leviathans are undergoing monstrous changes, the Tribe is stagnating. Though an individual Leviathan may make great accomplishments, older and wearier members of the tribe have seen it before. The same ideas, the same achievements, young Leviathans they knew from the cradle have become old and weary yet accomplished nothing truly new.		The general mood of the game is that of ''Stagnation''. Stagnation is an unusual mood to find alongside themes of puberty and change; the connection is that individual Leviathans are undergoing monstrous changes, the Tribe is stagnating. Though an individual Leviathan may make great accomplishments, older and wearier members of the tribe have seen it before. The same ideas, the same achievements, young Leviathans they knew from the cradle have become old and weary yet accomplished nothing truly new. There is constant change, but it's all going round in circles.

	Sometimes a Leviathan will manage to escape this fate, but even then the Tribe's stagnation is absolute. If they're particularly lucky they will be able to mentor a student or nurture a tradition that lasts for a few generations but these are only temporary. As a people Leviathans seem incapable of standing upon shoulder of giants. Every generation must start from the beginning, retreading old ground again and again. Every year the world moves forward leaving the Tribe further behind.		Sometimes a Leviathan will manage to escape this fate, but even then the Tribe's stagnation is absolute. If they're particularly lucky they will be able to mentor a student or nurture a tradition that lasts for a few generations but these are only temporary. As a people Leviathans seem incapable of standing upon shoulder of giants. Every generation must start from the beginning, retreading old ground again and again. Every year the world moves forward leaving the Tribe further behind.

50.92.179.42: /* Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon */

2011-08-14T19:32:19Z

Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon

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	'''Birthright''' : A low-level power associated with a ''Vestige''. Can be used in any form.		'''Birthright''' : A low-level power associated with a ''Vestige''. Can be used in any form.

	'''Channel''' : An expression of supernatural power that represents a portion of a greater ''Vestige''. As a Leviathan transforms towards a greater ''Depth'', the amount of power ~~availabel~~ increases. Channels can be Ancestral or Descendant, with understanding of the latter "growing out" of mastery of the former.		'''Channel''' : An expression of supernatural power that represents a portion of a greater ''Vestige''. As a Leviathan transforms towards a greater ''Depth'', the amount of power available increases. Channels can be Ancestral or Descendant, with understanding of the latter "growing out" of mastery of the former.

	'''Cohort''' : A small, intimate social grouping of Leviathans, similar to a Vampire Coterie, et al.		'''Cohort''' : A small, intimate social grouping of Leviathans, similar to a Vampire Coterie, et al.
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	'''Gatewaters''': An area of the real world with an unusually close connection to ''the Rift'', leading to disappearances, hallucinations, and mysterious events. Most Gatewaters are in areas with plenty of water.		'''Gatewaters''': An area of the real world with an unusually close connection to ''the Rift'', leading to disappearances, hallucinations, and mysterious events. Most Gatewaters are in areas with plenty of water.

	'''Hetman''': A local leader of the Tribe. Usually an informal role with no official power that ~~emergences~~ and vanishes naturally from reputation and social dynamics.		'''Hetman''': A local leader of the Tribe. Usually an informal role with no official power that emerges and vanishes naturally from reputation and social dynamics.

	'''Hybrid''' : A half-human entity whose bloodline has been mixed with that of a Leviathan or similar entity. Hybrids exhibit typical sets of mutations in a given family but have no control of their forms. Each ''Strain'' can deliberately cultivate a specific breed of Hybrid - these "favored types" are called the ''Lahmasu'' and are often reared to provide aid or worship to a Leviathan.		'''Hybrid''' : A half-human entity whose bloodline has been mixed with that of a Leviathan or similar entity. Hybrids exhibit typical sets of mutations in a given family but have no control of their forms. Each ''Strain'' can deliberately cultivate a specific breed of Hybrid - these "favored types" are called the ''Lahmasu'' and are often reared to provide aid or worship to a Leviathan.
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	* The ''School of Clay'' focuses on understanding of human culture, society and technology to integrate in the modern world.		* The ''School of Clay'' focuses on understanding of human culture, society and technology to integrate in the modern world.
	* The ''School of Fog'' tries to understand how Leviathans and their powers function, to recreate the world before the ''Tempest''.		* The ''School of Fog'' tries to understand how Leviathans and their powers function, to recreate the world before the ''Tempest''.
	* The ''School of the Reef'' holds that the mortals and leviathans alike require constant protection against dangers, and agressively seek out threats to eliminate and knowledge of ''the Tribe's'' enemies..		* The ''School of the Reef'' holds that the mortals and leviathans alike require constant protection against dangers, and agressively seek out threats to eliminate and knowledge of ''the Tribe's'' enemies.
	* The ''School of the Sun'' encourages Leviathans to build a religious relationship with the world and with mortals.		* The ''School of the Sun'' encourages Leviathans to build a religious relationship with the world and with mortals.

50.92.179.42: /* Mood */

2011-08-14T19:24:59Z

Mood

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	===Mood===		===Mood===

	The general mood of the game is that of ''Stagnation''. Stagnation is an unusual ~~Mood~~ to find alongside ~~Themes~~ of puberty and change; the connection is that individual Leviathans are undergoing monstrous changes, the Tribe is stagnating. Though an individual Leviathan may make great accomplishments older and ~~wearer~~ members of the tribe have seen it before. The same ideas, the same achievements, young Leviathans they knew from the cradle have become old and weary yet accomplished nothing truly new.		The general mood of the game is that of ''Stagnation''. Stagnation is an unusual mood to find alongside themes of puberty and change; the connection is that individual Leviathans are undergoing monstrous changes, the Tribe is stagnating. Though an individual Leviathan may make great accomplishments, older and wearier members of the tribe have seen it before. The same ideas, the same achievements, young Leviathans they knew from the cradle have become old and weary yet accomplished nothing truly new.

	Sometimes a Leviathan will manage to escape this fate, but even then the Tribe's ~~Stagnation~~ is absolute. If they're particularly lucky they will be able to mentor a student or nurture a tradition that lasts for a few generations but these are only temporary. As a people Leviathans seem incapable of standing upon shoulder of giants. Every generation must start from the beginning, retreading old ground again and again. Every year the world moves forward leaving the Tribe further behind.		Sometimes a Leviathan will manage to escape this fate, but even then the Tribe's stagnation is absolute. If they're particularly lucky they will be able to mentor a student or nurture a tradition that lasts for a few generations but these are only temporary. As a people Leviathans seem incapable of standing upon shoulder of giants. Every generation must start from the beginning, retreading old ground again and again. Every year the world moves forward leaving the Tribe further behind.

	== Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon ==		== Leviathan: the Tempest Lexicon ==